View of Whiteplains Plantation

View of Whiteplains Plantation
Over Head View

Monday, December 31, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tree Cutting report RWY 9

Whiteplains Neighbors,

Please join me in expressing our congratulations and gratitude to Jeff Cargile and Ray Ackerman for their good work in securing the agreement to clear the trees at the end of runway 27.  Jeff and Ray worked quietly and efficiently behind the scenes for many weeks to complete this transaction, and we appreciate their efforts.

Everyone, but especially those of us with the modestly powered planes, will enjoy this improvement; as the continuing view of trees during our runway 27 takeoff roll was always very interesting.  (unlike Jeff’s Husky…… which climbs straight up!)

For those neighbors who have pledged their support of the purchase, clearing and seeding, our sincere thanks.  Many of you have given us your donations already, but if you have not yet delivered your check, please either see me or your nearest local friendly Board member, Messrs.  Cargile, Crimm, Bonacum, Ramsey or Rainwater.

Thanks again, Jeff and Ray for a job well done!

Best regards……………..steve sanderson

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Bird Strike - 12-15-2012


Flew back from FDW this morning (Thanks for the ride Jeff!!!) where I picked up N9998A with it’s sparkling new comm panel and a new transponder installed :)

I encountered a flock of crows. The results are depicted below.

6 or more HUGE Crows plus N9998A + 100knots + Pilot with severely constricted sphincter = HUGE Dent

Bo



Photo by: Bo

Wednesday, December 12, 2012


A new NASA-funded prototype system developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) of Boulder, Colo., is providing weather forecasts that can help pilots avoid major storms as they travel over remote ocean regions. The eight-hour forecasts of potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions are designed for pilots, air traffic controllers and others involved in transoceanic flights.
The NCAR-based system combines satellite data and computer weather models to produce maps of storms over much of the world’s oceans. The system is based on products that NCAR has developed to alert pilots and air traffic controllers about storms and related hazards, such as turbulence and lightning, over the continental United States. Development of the forecasts was spurred in part by the 2009 crash of Air France Flight 447, which encountered a complex of thunderstorms over the Atlantic Ocean, officials note.
For full report: Click HERE!

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education


Have you seen the new FAA Safety Briefing?

Notice Number: NOTC4474

   Have you checked out the latest issue of FAA Safety Briefing? In addition to several internationally-themed feature stories, the issue’s departments also offer a wealth of helpful general aviation news and information. 
 
   In line with the issue’s focus on global topics, the Checklist department (p 27) explores the International Flight Information Manual - an important reference tool for those considering a flight beyond our borders; Jumpseat (p1) covers the importance of embracing Safety Management Systems (SMS) as “a means to think globally and act locally”; and FAA Faces (p 33) profiles Christopher Barks, manager of the FAA Office of International Affairs Western Hemisphere team. 
 
   Of interest to aircraft mechanics is this issue’s Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons department (p 28) which stresses the importance of purchasing and using certified parts.

To access the issue online, go to: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter as well at @FAASafetyBrief.

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Over 10,150 AMTs earned an AMT Award last year. Will you, this year?

Monday, December 03, 2012

FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education

Pilot Safety Tip – Student or Inexperienced Pilot
 
Notice Number: NOTC4471
A student pilot landed at a busy international airport and was cleared by ground control to taxi to the ramp.  Instead, he taxied back onto the runway where another aircraft had been cleared to takeoff.  The student pilot did not have a diagram of the airport, and claimed to have been distracted by other cockpit duties when he followed the “wrong yellow taxi line.”

Unfamiliar airports can seem like a jungle even to the most experienced pilot.  The leading causes of runway incursions by low-time GA pilots are inadequate knowledge or experience with ATC procedures and inadequate experience operating at the airport layout.

All pilots, but especially Student Pilots and low-time pilots, should carefully review the meaning of ATC instructions.  Don’t ever proceed to enter or cross a runway unless you are cleared for takeoff, instructed to line up and wait, or told to cross the runway.  Controllers do not have to issue hold short instructions in every instance – so don’t assume that because you did not hear “hold short” that you can cross the hold line.  And if you have any questions – stop your aircraft and ask.

As a Student Pilot, you should always have an airport diagram available for every airport you plan to visit during your flight.  Another way student and inexperienced pilots can work to prevent causing a runway incursion is to brush up on your understanding of what the airport signs and markings mean before you fly.  The FAA Runway Safety web site is a great source of information that should be used to refresh your understanding of the signs and markings you will see at the airports you fly in and out of.

One of the most common sayings in aviation is that your pilot certificate is a license to learn.  If you are a student pilot – or a low-time pilot - consider identifying yourself as a “student pilot”, or your need for assistance to ATC.  When you are taxiing your aircraft, keep looking around.  There is always something you might miss, and remember, you are always a student while flying.
For more information:

Charlie Riordan, Pilot Analyst
NATECH Corp.
Supporting Western Service Area
Runway Safety Group
ATO Office of Safety & Technical Training
Federal Aviation Administration
(425) 917-6742
Charles.ctr.Riordan@faa.gov

Interesting Web Page - Planes



Click on below link for web site:

Plane old and new info

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Low Pass


Video by: Don Cook 12-02-2012

This morning we had a low pass by an unknown small yellow plane.  

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Mystery Plane Arrives At Whiteplains



Our very own Whiteplains Cub reporter, Steve Sanderson, was able to snap some pictures of a mystery plane being unloaded at Mike Moore's hangar.

Steve reports: All I know is that Mike, Ed Fisher and Dave Crone drove somewhere in NC on Thursday, took the plane apart, and brought it back on a trailer yesterday. I think it is a Aeronca Champ but I am not even sure about that. For the moment it lives in Mike’s house hangar.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

B-29 Needs our help!


1

Last flying B-29 grounded, faces costly repair

 | AircraftAirshows & Fly-Ins | 15 hours ago
During the last airshow flight of the season, the world’s only flying B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, experienced an engine problem. The crew returned the airplane safely to the ground, but it was soon determined that FIFI’s number two engine would need major repairs. In response, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has launched a major fund raising campaign to raise money for one of the world’s most famous World War II bombers.
At nearly $10,000 and 100 volunteer hours per hour of flight, keeping FIFI in the air is no easy task, according to CAF officials, who estimate the cost for repairs to the number two engine and the purchase of a spare will top $250,000. The Keep FIFI Flying campaign’s goal is to raise those funds, ensuring continuous future operation and flight.
“The number of World War II veterans is dwindling every day,” said Neils Agather, commander of the B-29 Squadron of the CAF that operates the aircraft. “Our mission is to preserve the living legacy of the Greatest Generation and we intend to do all we can to preserve their story of sacrifice and honor.”
FIFI is a traveling piece of military history, flying to airshows and tour stops all over the country demonstrating to young and old the sights, smells and sounds of history, CAF officials explain.
“But the continued flight of FIFI is at risk,” Agather continued. “We need your help, each one doing a little bit, to continue to spread the message.”
For more information about the campaign, visit KeepFifiFlying.com.
In 1957, a small group of ex-service pilots pooled their money to purchase a P-51 Mustang, beginning what is now called the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). With the addition of a pair of F8F Bearcats, the CAF became the founders of the Warbird Movement, an effort to preserve and honor our military history with the rallying cry to “Keep ‘Em Flying!” Now, 55 years later, the CAF is the premier Warbird organization, operating 156 vintage aircraft in Honor of American Military Aviation. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 9,000 members and its fleet of historic aircraft is distributed to 73 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit CommemorativeAirForce.org or call 432-563-1000.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Simple Aircraft Engine Dryer



        
                                                 






















Click on picture to see full size.

If your concerned about moisture collecting in your engine during a prolonged non use, you might consider building a simple dryer, consisting of some silica gel beads, a plastic bottle, a fish tank air pump, some tubing, cork and a timer.  Put them all together and you have one easy and cheap system that has worked very well for me.

I have the timer set for one hour run time per day.  Adjust yours for your conditions.  Once the gel is full of moisture, (Blue balls turn pink) simply pour them into a large pan and put it in the oven at 250 degrees until the balls turn blue again.  This can be done over and over again. How often you have to do this is determined on run time and how much moisture you have in your area. For me about once every 2-3 months.

In the tennis ball tube, I have a cloth sack full of silica gel beads. Trim the metal ring off the tube, and it stick right into the exhaust pipe.  Nice tight fit.

This is a open system, you can make it a closed system by having the intake of the pump suck air from the exhaust port tube coming from the engine.  For me, this wasn't worth the extra work.  This system has been in use for three years now. I purchased the silica gel online, just find the best deal.  Tubing and cork from hardware store.  Pump from Walmart.  Timer I had laying around from Christmas Lights. In all it was less than $50 bucks.

If you have any questions, you can contact me at duckey123@hotmail.com

Don Cook

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education


New Flight Plan Form
Notice Number: NOTC4439
On November 15, 2012, the new ICAO Flight Plan Amendment will take effect, changing the way all ICAO flight plans are filed. You must take these new changes into account when filing your ICAO flight plans, or your flight plans will be rejected by ATC.
There are many changes in the amendment, but the biggest are in Item 10, “Equipment,” and Item 18, “Other Information.” From July 15, 2012 through November 14, 2012, a plan can be submitted in either the current “pre-2012” format or the new “ICAO 2012 format.” From November 15, 2012 onward, filings must be in the new ICAO 2012 format.
Questions or comments regarding this InFO should be directed to Gordon Rother, New Program Implementation and International Support Branch, AFS-240 at (202) 267-8166.
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SCBC Video 11-11-2012 Mt. Pleasant



                                         Click her for video:  http://vimeo.com/53368376

Saturday, November 10, 2012

They got me!



Just returned from a two-day training exercise as a "target" for training USCG interceptors. That's our left wingtip in the foreground. 

Photo & report by: Ken & Peg

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Whiteplain Plantation Board Election

Just when you thought the election season was over it's time to start all over again. The elections for Whiteplains Plantation Board members is rapidly approaching. There are two board members who's terms expire this year. Please consider running for the Board, or nominating someone to serve in this important role for our community.

Here are just a few of the many advantages of being a member of the board:
1. The pay for all board members has been doubled for 2013.
2. You are put in control of a budget that Federal Government could not even imagine.
3. You get to represent one of the few private residential communities with its own air force.
4. The time and effort you put into the community is noticed.
5. Once a year you get to assemble the humble masses for a nice BBQ dinner.

For those that want to run, or anyone wishing to make a nomination, please send them to me at: jeff.cargile@gmail.com

Jeff

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Aviation-themed park debuts at SC airport


It's a sunny day—time to get outside and have some family fun. You could go to the park, or you could head for the airport and watch airplanes.
If you live near South Carolina's Greenville Downtown Airport, now you can now do both.
On Oct. 25, Airport Director Joe Frasher announced completion of phase one of an aviation park projectthat has been in planning and development for more than two years.  
Community members who turned out for the park's opening the next day—which also was the beginning of a visit from vintage World War II aircraft of the Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour—could call some space their own on the site donated by the airport commission.


Click on this link for rest of the story.  Aviation-themed park debuts at SC airport

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

New FAA Safety Briefing Now Available!


Notice Number: NOTC4427
The theme for the November/December 2012 FAA Safety Briefing is "Small Airplane, Big World."  This issue explores the significance of general aviation on a global scale and focuses on tools and resources that can help you operate safely beyond our borders. Feature articles include: a review of overseas flying requirements, how to master the language of aviation, and an inside look at how the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) can impact your flying. 
  
The link to the online edition is: http://1.usa.gov/FAA_ASB
  
FAA Safety Briefing is the safety policy voice for the non-commercial general aviation community.  The magazine's objective is to improve safety by: 
·               making the community aware of FAA resources 
·               helping readers understand safety and regulatory issues, and 
·               encouraging continued training

Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
Address questions or comments to:mailto:SafetyBriefing@faa.gov
Follow us on Twitter @FAASafetyBrief or www.twitter.com/FAASafetyBrief

Columbia SC helps out people of Hurricane Sandy


Here are 2 links to professionally shot HD Videos of our efforts to assist Hurricane Sandy victims. 
The first link was shot in Columbia, SC on Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th with personnel from the South Carolina State Guard, Harvest Hope Food Bank and AERObridge working together under the direction of AERObridge Incident Commander Walt Martin.  Walt was assisted with Ground Operations by AERObridge support personnel Dennis Bassiin and Brittani Bensoussan.  Their control and coordination of the ground operations provided a safe and efficient transition for our flight to West Creek, New Jersey.  Kudos to the South Carolina State Guard for their ourstanding job repacking, unloading the truck and reloading our aircraft Sunday morning.  Special thanks to COL Tom Mullikin, MAJ Mary Louise Resch and CPL Scott Morgan.  Harvest Hope Food Bank was the "glue" that made our mission Sunday possible.  Many thanks to Mary Louise Resch, Scott Morgan, Chris Davis and Chris Daly for their efforts this weekend.  Each participant made possible our 938 NM round trip mission.  Again, thanks!
The second link was shot in West Creek, New Jersey at Eagles Nest Airport (31E) and at a nearby evacuation shelter on November 4th.  These videos were taken by WLTX-TV, CBS affiliate in Columbia, SC  The News Director for WLTX is Mary Beth Jacoby and her cell phone number is (803) 429-5268 and email  mjacoby@wltx.gannett.com  The journalist that flew with me to New Jersey is Steven Dial.  His cell phone number is (803) 223-3859 and email sdial@wltx.com Both Mary Beth and Steven said AERObridge could use these videos.  Please contact them for the details.
Let Craig Fuller at AOPA know that Peter Weidhorn and Karen Hendra, owner and operator of Eagles Nest appreciate AOPA's response to their call for help. 
I will once again attempt to upload the video I shot Friday at Charleston Executive Airport on Johns Island, SC.  I will first try emailing them directly to Alan.
Greg Stidom
Field Director of Emergency Services
North and South Carolina
gstidom@aerobridge.org
(803) 446-6068

Sunday, November 04, 2012

"Modern GA Avionics"


Topic: Modern Avionics in today's general aviation aircraft.
On Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Location:
GMU - Jet Center Conference Room
100 TOWER DRIVE
UNIT 8
Greenville, SC 29607
Select Number:
SO1347130
Description:
Join Mr. William Bowen for an in-depth discussion on the current state of advanced avionics in today's general aviation aircraft.  This seminar will focus on pilots transitioning from a steam gauge/six pack cluster environment to a pure digital presentation.  We will also discuss the development of a suitable training program and questions to ask when selecting a flight instructor."
To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here.
The sponsor for this seminar is: SC FAASTeam
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the "Contact Information" area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
Basic Flight 3 - 1 Credit

Click here to view the WINGS help page

Saturday, November 03, 2012

Sabreliner Pilot


Our very own, Dick Hitt got to fly a Sabreliner the other day.  Do you think Dick enjoyed it?  I think so.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

World War II planes to visit GMU

On Friday, Oct. 26, the “Wings of Freedom Tour” will land at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in South Carolina. The B-24, P-51 and B-17 will be open for tours, as well as available for flights. The vintage airplanes will be at the airport all weekend, leaving Oct. 28.



Expected to be at the airport are the Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber, the North American P-51C Mustang “Betty Jane,” and the Boeing B-17 “Nine O Nine.”

For more information click  here

Monday, October 15, 2012

Why does 100LL cost so much?


General Aviation News

Recently, we received a number of emails concerning the cost of 100LL at various locations, as well as the cost of 100LL vs. Jet A. Obviously, there is still a lot of confusion about this, so I thought I would try to shed some light on the issue.
When crude oil arrives at the refinery, it can contain several hundred different hydrocarbon compounds. Each molecule contains carbon and hydrogen atoms in differing configurations.
The first step is to boil the whole thing and pump it into a distillation column. This is a tall column with differing temperature ranges at each height, with the hottest at the bottom and getting cooler as you go up. Off the top, they pull the Liquefied Petroleum (LP) and butane. The next range is the normal range for gasoline and is called straight run. However, the octane is usually too low to be used directly, so this product goes to catalytic reforming, alkylation, or some other further processing.
The next range of products are called middle distillates, which would be the Jet A and diesel products. These can be used directly off the column with no further processing except sulfur removal. The next heavier range is called heavy distillates, and usually goes to catalytic cracking or bunker fuels. What is left at the bottom of the column can be used for asphalt, coke, or can be burned in the refinery.
To make Jet A, all that is needed is to take the stream off the column, lower the sulfur content and ship it out the gate. They do check to ensure that it meets the requirements of ASTM D-1655, but that is a continuous process.
To make 100LL, they take the alkylate, which is an acid treating process, and redistill it so that it will meet the distillation requirements of ASTM D-910. Each refiner values products differently, but because of its high octane, most value the alkylate at a higher value than other streams — plus the extra distillation increases that cost.
The aviation alkylate is then pumped into a separate tank and 2.0 grams per gallon of lead is added. The cost of the lead and the equipment needed for the injection is very costly. One of the problems is that there is only one plant in the world now producing TEL, so there is no price competition. Another is that because of the health hazards associated with pure TEL, it must be handled in a dedicated system.
The 100LL batch is then tested and if the octane does not meet the 100/130 levels, they must add an expensive component called Toluene concentrate to increase the octane to meet the spec.
Once the batch meets all of the requirements of D-910, it is ready to ship. Here is where the cost continues to go up on the 100LL.
Jet A is shipped in large volumes to all parts of the country through pipelines. For example, the airports in Chicago use about 4 million gallons every day, so all of the terminals have a ready supply.
100LL is a specialty product not because of its lower volume, but because it contains lead. No common carrier pipeline in the US will allow 100LL. This means that it must be shipped by rail or truck. By comparison, it would cost only a few cents to ship 8,000 gallons of Jet A 500 miles, but it would cost about $2,000 to ship the same amount of 100LL.
Another difference is that an FBO can shop around for the best price on Jet A, because almost every distribution plant in the country has it. With 100LL, most FBOs cannot take 8,000 gals of 100LL direct from a refinery, so they must buy from a fuel distributor in their area.
Here in the U.S. we have a competitive market system, which uses competitive pressure to keep the cost down. But in 100LL, there really is not a competitive market. First of all, there are less than 10 refineries in the U.S. now producing 100LL.
Add to this that most FBOs, especially outside major markets, have just one, maybe two, sources to buy 100LL, which means they must pay whatever price necessary just to obtain the product.
The FBOs set their prices based on their situations. For example, some FBOs try to cover overhead expenses by fuel sales. Others want to increase the number of $100 hamburger sales, so lower the price on 100LL.
Another problem is that it takes more labor to market 100LL than other products. The FBO should be checking filters, water drains, etc., for their fuel systems every day.
And then we have liability. I know I sound like a broken record, but liability costs are factored into every aviation product on the market today. Every company looks at costs differently. For example, some companies just add the cost of the leading facility, the increased value of the high octane alkylate product, the liability risk factor, and other factors to the overhead cost of the refinery.
About 20 years ago when it was necessary to upgrade our lead injection system, I worked on a study to accurately assess these costs and add it to the cost of 100LL. The result? We stopped producing 100LL.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education


You have asked us to notify you when a seminar is scheduled that meets your criteria. The following seminar may be of interest to you:

"iPads in the Cockpit - Modern Flight Planning"
Topic: Modern Flight Planning using the iPad with ForeFlight app
On Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Location:
Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport
500 Ammons Rd.
Top floor meeting Room
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Select Number:
SO1346258

Description:
Join Adam Lockamy for Modern Flight Planning with iPad. This informative safety seminar will go through different applications, plus hardware and software now available on the iPad. With a focus on ForeFlight, Adam will present many tips and tricks and explain the exciting features available to airmen on every flight. He will also be available from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM to answer questions.
To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here.

The sponsor for this seminar is: SC FAASTeam
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the "Contact Information" area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
Advanced Knowledge 2 - 1 Credit

Click here to view the WINGS help page

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Joint exercise tests UAV sense-and-avoid technology


                                                                 
NASA Cirrus SR-22







The National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), a not-for-profit research and development organization and a university completed two weeks of flight testing "sense and avoid" technology that could help unmanned aircraft better integrate into the national air transportation system some day.


Click here for full story: Airport aviation security

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Phase II Irragation System - Work update!



After seven years of work being done on Phase II Irrigation system, some progress has finally been made.  A broken pipe was found just inside the gate on the Cook's side. This has been capped. Next, is to see if they can pressurize the system.

Sunday, September 30, 2012



Here is a shot of Whiteplains heroes Jeff Cargile and Dennis Perry replacing the windsock on Jim Wheat's hangar on Sunday, September 30, 2012.

Project supervisors are also pictured.  

One supervisor suggested that Whiteplains hangar owners might want to call on Jeff or Dennis to help install or repair the required hangar night lights.






Reported by: Steve Sanderson 

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Thursday, September 20, 2012

43 Grupo 2012 Video


                                                     Click on this link to view video: 43 Grupo 2012

Whiteplains Plantation Announcement - Hangar Flood Lights


    Photo by: Don Cook
Hangar Lights
As the days get shorter it is a good time to check your hangar flood light.  The requirement to have a working exterior flood light enhances our neighborhood safety and security.  Anyone with a detached hangar along the taxiway or runway should have a working flood light in the gable area.  If your hangar doesn't have a light or if it is not functioning, your cooperation in addressing this will be greatly appreciated.
 If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please let me know.
Jeff

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

2012 SC Breakfast Club - Berkeley County (Moncks Corner) - September 16,...




SCBC Berkeley County 9-16-2012


                      
                                                                     Slide Show Moncks Corner



                                                                           Next SCBC Greenville Downtown